ABCs OF HAGGLING

ABC's of Haggling

"E" IS FOR EVERYTHING

Yep, that’s right. “E” is for everything - that is, everything that has a price or a value. This means that you can and should haggle for anything you desire. Who’s to say you shouldn’t? Anyway, the worse that can happen is “no deal.”

If you do plan to haggle, be ready to deal. Be ready to “play the game” and be serious about what you are offering. After all, if a merchant is willing to negotiate a price with you, you must be willing to buy the item in the end. Don’t waste the merchants time or you won’t be welcomed in that store anymore. You’ll set a bad rep for yourself.

“E” is for emotions, too. You need to check your emotions at the door when shopping. If there’s a weak link to your haggling skills, it would be your emotions. They are a dead give away whether you will be successful in obtaining your item for or near the price you are willing to spend. Merchants are very savvy when it comes to reading their customers. If they notice an inkling of desire from you about an item; they will stand firm on their price. Your emotion gives them the upper hand. That’s not the position you want to be in when your out to save some money!

The opposite is true. The less emotion you show when shopping gives you the upper hand. The merchant cannot “read” you. You have the advantage of being able to walk away with no attachment to the purchase. This is the one thing the merchant will try to prevent at all costs. The last thing he wants you to do is walk away! His chance will then be lost to persuade you to buy and make a sale.

It’s funny how an item could be “worth” $35.00 in the store and upon your walking away, the item suddenly can be bought for $25.00. Interesting how prices can change with a few feet.......your feet, literally! Isn’t haggling fun!

Now if you find an item and you think the price is reasonable, go ahead and buy it. Do try to get some perks with it, though. The merchant will probably go for it. He’s getting his price and to foster good customer relations, he just might throw in some freebies. Sometimes it’s okay to pay the asking price. If you’re okay with it, do it. The merchant will remember that and if you’re a regular customer, a little give and take will go a long way for future dealings.

So, until my next segment practice your haggling skills. Start off small and soon you will be tackling the big stuff! Happy Haggling!

Want to share some of your haggle stories here? Have a question about a haggle disaster or an upcoming haggle? I’d love to hear about it! Shoot me an e-mail at contact@mywherehaus.com and I’ll post your stories or questions here, if you like. Together we can hone your skills and come out winning!

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